Asthma is one of the most common respiratory issues characterized by bronchospasm i.e. spasmodic contraction of bronchioles or airways in the lungs. It belongs to a group of diseases called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPDs). The symptoms of asthma are coughing, breathlessness, wheezing and chest congestion. Asthma is often triggered by certain extremal influences called allergens, such as pollen, dust, dust mites, pollutants, pet dander, etc. In some cases, it is even triggered by exercise.

Asthma is an incurable condition, but it can be treated or controlled effectively. There are clinically proven medications and tools available to help control asthma. The prognosis is good when your asthma symptoms are prevented and do not occur for more than two days a week. It is considered well-controlled if there is little or no need of quick-relief medications, if your lung function is good, if your activity is normal and if you have no asthma attack in a period of one year.

Asthma treatment is broadly classified into two categories viz. quick-relief treatment and long-term control treatment. The aim of quick-relief medicines or rescue medicines is to provide immediate relief from asthma attack. When it comes to long-term control medications, the main goal is to reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms.

Asthma Inhaler is one of the most important rescue inhalers for asthma patients. They need to keep this type of relieving inhaler always with them so that they can use it in case of sudden asthma attack. It is available in an aerosol form that is to be orally inhaled. The medicine directly goes to the airways to dilate the bronchioles for providing quick relief from bronchospasm.

Long-term control medicines are advised daily and are formulated to prevent asthma symptoms by reducing airway inflammation or by bronchodilation. Salbutamol (Albuterol), Theophylline, Leukotriene modifiers and corticosteroids are often prescribed to treat and prevent asthma.

If medicines fail to provide relief from an asthma attack, immediate medical intervention is necessary. Lifesaving asthma treatments at the hospital include oxygen therapy and higher potencies of asthma medicines. In advanced cases, one may require intubation and mechanical ventilation.